Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 527: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a report will be ready on an inquiry (details supplied). [10994/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that on 28 January, 2009, prior to the release of the convicted sex offender, a member of An Garda Síochána from Glenties Garda Station called to the family of the injured party and advised them of the pending release of the convicted offender. I understand, however, that prior to this notification the family had been informed of the pending release of the convicted offender the previous day by another source. I have asked the Director General of the Irish Prison Service to ensure that the notification requirements as set out in the 2001 Sex Offenders Act are strictly applied.

As the Deputy will be aware the Sex Offenders Act, 2001, effective from 27 September 2001, requires certain persons to be subject to notification requirements under Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. All sex offenders are monitored in accordance with the provisions of the Act and there is a nominated Garda Inspector in each Garda Division who has responsibility for the monitoring of persons subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. Standard procedures are that the nominated Garda Inspector is notified when a sex offender, who is subject to the requirements of the Act, is to reside in the area. Child Protection issues, should they arise, are notified to the Health Authorities, as set out in the Children First Guidelines.

I am advised that the convicted offender, who is subject of the requirements of Part 2, Sex Offenders Act, 2001, reported to An Garda Síochána, Glenties Garda Station in accordance with the provisions of section 10 of the Act. I should also advise the Deputy that I published a Discussion Document on the Management of Sex Offenders last January which is designed to foster informed debate on recommendations on how we manage higher risk offenders, including achieving a greater degree of responsiveness across all the agencies of the criminal justice system who interact with a convicted offender. My Department has sought submissions on the Document which is available on my Department's website by the end of April, 2009 and I look forward to seeing the range of views that the consultation process will bring.